Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) passes the ball during the second half against the against the Indianapolis Colts
Sep 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) passes the ball during the second half against the against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Reuters

National Football League (NFL) superstars are among the highest paid players in the world of sports thanks to hefty paychecks and even more lucrative endorsement deals. Here are the top five NFL players who have earned big in their respective football careers.

1 QB Peyton Manning - Denver Broncos

Career Earnings: $242.732 million

Peyton Manning is an American football quarterback for the Denver Broncos. The 38-year-old is also a five-time league MVP who landed in Denver in 2012 with a five-year, $96 million contract. He is also the NFL's top product endorser earning $12 million yearly outside the field from Gatorade, Papa John's, Buick and DirecTV.

2 QB Tom Brady - New England Patriots

Career Earnings: $150.7795 million

Tom Brady is an American football quarterback for the New England Patriots. In February, Brady signed a contract extension with the New England Patriots, which included a $30 million signing bonus, which was lauded because it was a below market deal and his main goal is to help the team's salary cap situation.

3 QB Eli Manning - New York Giants

Career Earnings: $135.12 million

Eli Manning is an American football quarterback for the New York Giants who had the worst NFL season last year but remains to be one of the most marketable players on the field. His endorsement deals include Samsung Electronics, Toyota Motor, Citizen watches, Gatorade, DirecTV and Dunkin' Donuts. Last year, despite his not so stellar season, he earned $13 million base salary from New York Giants.

4 QB Drew Brees - New Orleans Saints

Career Earnings: $120.455 million

Drew Brees has only two years left from the $100 million contract and $37 million signing bonus he signed in July 2012 with the New Orleans Saints. The American quarterback is also one of NFLs most successful endorsers with more than 10 sponsors such as Nike, PepsiCo, Wrangler, Advocare and Procter & Gamble.

5 DE/LB Julius Peppers - Green Bay Packers

Career Earnings: $110.228 million

Julius Peppers is an American football player for the Green Bay Packers who signed their contract in March, which included a $26 million deal and $7.5 million signing bonus. Next time that the PFWA and AF NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year will be a free agent, he will be 37 years old.

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